A Party for Annie
“Annie wants a birthday party with balloons. Six year olds like pink cake and ballerinas,” Jill instructed, her voice trailing off in a drug induced slumber.
Owen peered over the bed rail at his crumpled wife and he dialed his sister’s cell phone.
Answering on the first ring Cheryl’s speech was pressured, “Tell me it isn’t time. Oh God, no. It’s snowing but I can get there.”
“No, stop. The doc says she has three days. Will you make a ballerina cake for Annie’s birthday?’
“Of course but her birthday isn’t until June.”
“Tomorrow, we will have a party tomorrow at the hospital park. Jill can see it from her window.” he sobbed.
For more Friday Fictioneer, flash fiction visit here.
What's for dinner, Doc? 
What a beautiful story.
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Thanks Dawn
Don’t you ever sleep? I see posts from you at 3 am and comments at midnight(?) I appreciate all of your comments regardless of the time.
🙂
Tracey
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I work nights…got off early last night (2am)…that’s how I posted first..then went to bed and slept too long today (I’m off tonight and back on Sunday). I’m waiting for it to hit me. It should be soon (I hope). I actually thought I would be in bed before now…but here I am.
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Sad, but beautiful story, Tracey. I’m glad Jill can be a part of it in her last hours.
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I often wonder where my priorities will lie in my last hours. Clearly a Mother would be thinking about her child’s needs. (Don’t get on the carousel Anne!)
Thanks Amy
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A mother always think about her child’s needs. Very true. Right! Watch out, Annie.
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Very emotional, you’ve done a great job here. You can picture Jill on her bed giving instructions and the sad anticipation of her loved ones.
KT
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Thanks KT
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Great story! Bit heart string pulling but we all like that
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I do tend to pull a few heart strings when I write medical narrative.
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You do it well – happy Thursday
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Oh goodness, that is quite moving.
Rosey Pinkerton’s blog
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Thanks Rosey and Keith I like your stories but hate trying to comment on your blog. I hate to switch idenities, stand on one leg and rewrite my comments twice to get it to post. I read your FF every week, I promise.
Tracey
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lovely! Its one those that gives you a sudden choke to your heart!!
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Thank you, my husband was choked up proof reading this piece. I must have struck a chord with the men today.
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Such a sad story. And so bitter sweet, having the party early so mum can see it.
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Yes, so sad for the husband left behind to be a Daddy and a Mommy.
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Dear Tracey,
Gut wrenching story. I’ve seen a couple like them in the news lately. I can’t imagine what the parents go through. Beautifully written.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I cried a little myself writing Jill’s story. I wouldn’t want to leave my children, even now that they’re all grown up.
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Oh Tracey. This one cuts to the core. What parent wants to leave too soon? My friend got married earlier than she originally wanted to so that her mother could be there. Beautifully written.
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I shed a few tears writing in this woman’s shoes.
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I shed a few reading it! It was backwards but I thought of my departed son.
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Lovely! And as you said, who knows what or who our last thoughts will be full of.
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To love another beyond your pain … mama’s love.
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Very nicely said. I’d take a bullet for my sons.
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Pass the Kleenex. My shirt sleeve is getting soggy. I hope no one walks in and catches me like this. Is this Highway to Heaven? Where’s Michael Landon?
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Ouch, I’m guessing you won’t stay tuned for the season finale. Spoiler – The mets always win.
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This is an absolutely beautiful story.
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Thanks Belinda
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Sigh. That was touching. A love that’s heavenly…
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If there’s life after death then this Mom will be guiding her family past the grave.
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Very sad. I can’t do this kind of story. Well done.
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Such a moving story…
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It’s touching idea but won’t everyone know why and react accordingly at the party? “We’re having fun now ‘cos Mum’s dying.”
Poignant piece.
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Mick,
I’m sure they will. Maybe it will be enough for Jill to imagine her daughters happiness.
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Terrific and story of a family crisis.
(I think it would be improved without the word ‘he sobbed’. The reader already knows he feels bad.
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Patrick,
Perhaps you’re right. Men seem to hold there grief at bay and don’t sob very often so I guess I felt the need to allow Owen a moment to break down with his sister.
Thanks for the suggestion,
Tracey
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I guess you have to celebrate life while you still have it, right? That will be one sad June…
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My box of tissues is running out. I love this but than I wish it wasn’t so. I’m so glad it’s fiction. But, then again, it could happen. So sad …. well, written. 😎
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Thanks Isadora. I hope you are recovering well.
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Your very welcome …!!! I am healing and taking one day at a time while appreciating the gift of life. I apprecaite your asking.
Isadora 😎
http://insidethemindofisadora.com/2015/07/24/some-positive-thoughts-on-health-and-aging/
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So beautiful and sad. And the love shines through strongly, these will be memories to cherish for those left behind.
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So heart touching and sweet. Love how they are having her Birthday party early for her mother. Reminds me of a movie I saw where someone was dying in the movie so they had Thanksgiving and Christmas early and treated it like it was really Thanksgiving and Christmas. Sad.
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Heartbreaking but understandable story, Tracey. So well written. —– Suzanne
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Thank you Suzanne
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This is heartbreaking, such a sad but beautiful story.
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Thanks Snow. Maybe too sad.
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Beautiful story. So sad, but there’s something uplifting about it, too.
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I thought so too and you can bet that I would be giving my husband kid advice on my death bed even though they are adults.
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Heartbreaking ideas. You’ve portrayed their relationship beautifully.
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